log-on difficulties - "not a valid device on the network"

[jhall251]

We recently added a new windows 2000 server as our primary domain controller - our other servers are NT 4 sp6 - mostly things are ok but - some people have been experiencing logon problems but only at closing time - shortly after 5 pm - the error messge is usually "not a valid device on the network" - the NT srvmanager.exe tool shows multiple and presumably inaccurate logons for the person experiencing the problem. Any clues? Thanks in advance..... Joe Halloran

 

[GlenJohnson]

I've seen this problem with nic's going bad. I had one that actually sent out so many bad packets, when the users tried to log onto the domain, it told them no domain existed, even though there nic was fine. I disabled the nic in question, and no more logon problems. Good luck. Glen A. Johnson
Microsoft Certified Professional

"You cannot create experience. You must undergo it."
Albert Camus (1913-1960); French writer and philosopher

 

[jhall251]

Thanks for tip - was your problem nic at the server or at a workstation? We are using a variety of nics and I am wondering if one brand is not compatible with win2k - or should we be looking at the server nics only?

Do you have any insight into the multiple logons we are seeing in srvmanager? It will show me for instance as logged on to 3-4 machines that I never log onto.

Thanks again! Joe Halloran

 

[blkdawn]

The nic issue is on the money from my experience but also there is a problem with NT4.0 and win2k server regarding timers and authentication that also causes issues, we have at one point had to pull pc's out of the domain and place them right back in and the issues would go away for a while. I would say upgrade the nt box to 2000, also 2000 seems to be most compatible with 3com cards and will recognize and install them instantly in most cases

 

[GlenJohnson]

My nic was a 1 of 2 on a BRAND NEW DELL SERVER! I had to prove to dell it was bad by logging the bad broadcasts. Once I got it replaced, no more problems. Glen A. Johnson
Microsoft Certified Professional

"You cannot create experience. You must undergo it."
Albert Camus (1913-1960); French writer and philosopher

 

[jhall251]

Glen - this server is also a Dell. We are also getting a weird thing where administrators are showing up as logged onto multiple computers that they have not logged onto - did you have that symptom as well?

Joe Halloran

 

[GlenJohnson]

I haven't seen that one. Not even sure where to look except in shares. Where do you see that? Glen A. Johnson
Microsoft Certified Professional
gjohn76351@msn.com

"You cannot create experience. You must undergo it."
Albert Camus (1913-1960); French writer and philosopher